Basically, Europe operates on pretty much the same principle as the United States. There is a comprehensive assessment of raw materials to check several aspects, including toxicology, safety and the environment. Everything is described in detail. It is only at the end of that process that the product is registered, if everything meets the requirements.
In Canada, the process is the same one that is used for drugs. Product specifications must be established and guaranteed, period. That is why Canadian companies cannot compete with products made in other G7 countries. The regulatory framework is not the same.